Flawless and Like New: 1979 International Scout II

The ever popular International Harvester Scout was produced from 1961-1980 with total production exceeding 500,000 units. This example is a 1979 International Harvester Scout II located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $34,900. The seller states that this Scout is in like new condition. Long before the modern SUV became a fixture of suburban driveways, the International Harvester Scout was carving trails and hauling supplies. By 1979, the Scout II had matured into one of the most 4x4s in America. As the final years of production approached, the Scout II represented a rugged alternative to the more mainstream offerings from Detroit, blending tractor-like durability with a growing sense of recreational style. We appreciate Lothar submitting this listing for our review.

The seller claims this Scout runs and drives flawlessly. That is a bold statement for a vehicle famously prone to rust and electrical gremlins. However, the fact that it is garage-kept and in excellent condition inside and out suggests a level of restoration or preservation rarely seen in vehicles that were originally sold as farm tools. The original 4WD system is the vehicle’s greatest asset—a robust combination of Dana 44 axles that remain the industry standard for off-road strength. For the collector who wants to skip the multi-year restoration process and head straight to the trails or the local car show, this 1979 Scout II is a rare find.

It would be nice if the listing had more information on what powers this Scout II. In 1979, the Scout II’s mechanical heart was defined by heavy-duty reliability. Buyers had several engine options, starting with the 196 cubic inch (3.2L) slant-four—essentially half of a 304 V8—which prioritized fuel economy during the era’s energy crises. For those needing more muscle, the AMC-sourced 258 cubic inch (4.2L) inline-six was a popular middle ground. However, the definitive Scout experience lived in the “SV” (Small V8) family. The 304 cubic inch V8 and the legendary 345 cubic inch (5.6L) V8 were industrial-grade engines designed for long-haul duty. While they weren’t built for high-speed sprints, they were famous for their massive low-end torque and a lifespan that often exceeded 200,000 miles. For the efficiency-minded, the 198 cubic inch Nissan-sourced SD33 diesel was also available, making the Scout one of the few diesel-powered passenger vehicles of the time.

The late seventies were a bold time for automotive aesthetics, and International Harvester leaned into the trend. The 1979 color card was a vibrant reflection of the era. Iconic “earth tones” like Dark Brown Metallic and Buckskin were staples, but the more adventurous could opt for Sunburst Yellow, Terra Cotta, or the eye-catching Mint Green—a one-year-only shade that has since become a collector favorite. This example appears to be painted in a fresh coat of white paint and the seller states that it is in like new condition. Production remained steady in 1979, with approximately 40,000 units rolling off the line in Fort Wayne, Indiana. While this was a far cry from the volume of the Ford Bronco or Jeep CJ, the Scout’s smaller production numbers only added to its cult-like status today.